GAUTENG teens are turning to drugs and booze at shocking rates, with new research revealing a disturbing crisis among young people.
Young people in Gauteng are showing worrying trends in alcohol and drug use, according to the latest findings from the South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (SACENDU) under the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC).
The 58th SACENDU Symposium, which analysed data from January to June 2025, reveals that Gauteng accounted for more than half (51%) of all admissions to substance use treatment centres across the country.
Alarmingly, teenagers aged 15 to 19 now make up 26% of all admissions in the province, up from 19% in the previous reporting period.
"We're seeing a sharp rise in first-time admissions, especially among teens, which is deeply concerning. The patterns suggest that many young people are experimenting with substances at an earlier age," said Nancy Hornsby, senior scientist at the SAMRC's Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research unit.
Hornsby explained that dagga remains the most commonly used substance, with 42% of patients citing it as their primary drug.
Methamphetamine (22%) and alcohol (16%) were also commonly used, often alongside other substances.
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Nearly half of those admitted reported using more than one substance at a time, a pattern known as polysubstance use.
"Polysubstance use complicates treatment and increases the risk of mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, which are already on the rise among young people entering treatment," Hornsby said.
The report also highlights an increase in hookah pipe use among teens in Gauteng. Many are mixing dagga and alcohol with hookah, a trend not as common in other regions.
Another alarming finding in their report is the decline in HIV testing among those seeking treatment.
Only 60% of individuals reported having been tested, down from 72% in the previous reporting period.
Among adolescents aged 15 to 19, 40% had never been tested.
"The drop in HIV testing is worrying, especially among young people. Substance use and sexual health risks often intersect, and we need to ensure adolescents are aware of the importance of knowing their status," Hornsby said.
Most individuals seeking treatment were unemployed and had completed only high school. Nearly 40% referred themselves for help, while referrals from social services have declined steadily.
The SAMRC urges parents, teachers, communities, and policymakers to take these findings seriously.
Hornsby added: "We're facing a growing public health crisis. The rise in substance use among youth, combined with mental health challenges and reduced HIV testing, requires urgent and coordinated action from all sectors of society."
The SACENDU Symposium continues to serve as a vital platform for sharing research and clinical insights that inform national strategies to tackle substance abuse and its consequences.
